FLORENCE, SC (WPDE) — ABC15 has received numerous complaints from people across Florence about low water pressure or no water at all.

The City of Florence said the surface water treatment plant had to be taken offline due to an unexpected problem, resulting in low water pressure throughout the system.

In a more detailed press release, the city stated: “As a result of the flooding from Hurricane Debby that occurred upstream of the city’s raw water intake on the Pee Dee River, the city’s surface water treatment plant began receiving water that contained high levels of organic matter. The plant’s usual chemical concentrations used for treatment could not be maintained and the city was unable to produce potable water.”

As a result, the surface water treatment plant has been shut down to allow this water to bypass the water intake point. Once normal water pressure is restored, there will be a system-wide boil water advisory as a precautionary measure.

TOP STORY: Due to Debby flooding, a no-swell emergency zone is in effect along the ICW

One community member said their job was to allow them to leave early because they did not have water even to flush the toilet.

The Florence County Public Library announced that it will have to close at 12:30 p.m. Friday due to the water pressure issue. They expect the issue to be resolved and the library will remain open during normal hours on Saturday.

Virtus Academy ended classes early on Friday and posted a statement on its Facebook page that read:

A citywide water problem has left us high and dry! We are beginning dismissal now (11:50am) as parents are already lined up. We will stay with students until all parents are there, however Vista Care is closed and you must come as soon as possible to pick up your child(ren). If you have high school students, a separate message has been sent through their school for this evening.

According to Darlington Mayor Curtis Boyd, the City of Darlington has supplied water to the City of Florence.

Due to an unexpected problem, the surface water treatment plant had to be shut down.

Boyd said the water will be transported to Florence in a shipping or water container on a semi-trailer truck.

Several community members told me that several fire departments in Florence and Darlington counties are helping to deliver or transport water to McLeod Health because of issues with the city’s water system.

According to officials, the water treatment plant had to be taken offline until the problem was resolved.

Several community members have contacted ABC15 over the past two years to complain about water problems in Florence involving low pressure and discoloration, as well as repeated boil water notices.

The city government said it is working on a permanent solution to the water quality problems as part of a comprehensive plan, but that it will take some time.

We will let you know when Friday’s water problems are resolved.